Cardiovascular Diseases among Iranian Hajj Pilgrims from 2012 to 2022: Prevalence, Trends, and Economic Perspective

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant cause of mortality and morbidity globally. One of the primary objectives of medical examinations for Hajj pilgrims is disease screening, which is conducted following stringent guidelines to mitigate mortality and disability among the pilgrims. This study aimed to assess the prevalence, patterns, and associated healthcare services of CVDs among pilgrims from 2012 to 2022.

This study examined the prevalence of CVDs among Iranian Hajj pilgrims using pooled cross-sectional data, stratified by age, sex, and provinces. Logistic regression modeling was employed to evaluate the influence of various factors on the likelihood of CVDs among the pilgrims.

This study incorporated data from 459,934 Hajj pilgrims. The findings revealed that the mean age of the pilgrims was 55.48 years. The prevalence of CVDs was higher in men (4.25%) compared with women (3.41%), with an overall prevalence of 3.83% among the pilgrims. The peak prevalence was observed in 2018 at 5.18%. The binary logistic regression model indicated that age (odds ratio [OR], 1.067), fasting blood sugar (OR, 1.002), male sex (OR, 0.781), chronic renal failure (OR, 2.262), high blood pressure (OR, 2.742), and diabetes (OR, 1.723) were significantly associated with the probability of having CVDs.

This study represents the most comprehensive investigation into the prevalence and pattern of CVDs among Iranian pilgrims over the past decade, utilizing data from approximately half a million Iranian pilgrims. The results highlight substantial differences in the prevalence of CVDs by age, sex, and their distribution across different provinces. Consequently, screening, diagnosis, and appropriate management by primary care physicians are crucial to prevent adverse disease outcomes and alleviate the economic burden.